Considerations when Buying a Backpacking Tent

Your backpacking tent is going to be an important part of your backpacking experience. If you choose the wrong type of tent then you will likely come away form the whole backpacking experience not being too satisfied. Don't let your trip get ruined by a bad tent choice.

There are many different tent features that can make your camping experience better. Other features are simply nice options that you may or may not want. The following list explains some of the common tent features that you may wish to have.

- Waterproofing features. If you often backpack in bad weather you will want to pay special attention to these. Tub floors are when the floor is attached to the sides of the tent. The seams where they attach do not lay on the ground, so they are much more waterproof then tents with floor and wall seams that sit on the ground. Sealed seams are another waterproofing feature. Most often the seams are sewn together, but that leaves tiny needle holes that let in moisture. This is why sealing the seams is very important.
- Color of the tent. Lighter colors will reflect heat and keep the tent cooler during warm months, while darker colors absorb the heat during cold months.
- Space. Some tents have a little entrance way or vestibule. This is nice for leaving muddy boots, cooking in bad weather or even as a sleeping or resting place for your dog. The manufacturers specifications about the size of the tent does not take into consideration the areas where you can not fully sit up. You should make sure the inside of the tent is large enough by getting inside the tent.
- Doorways. It should have doorways that make entering and exiting the tent easy.
- Ease of set up/tear down. It should be easy for you to set up and tear down.
- Other considerations/Extras. You might also want features like wall pockets, windows and loops for hanging items.

Once you find a tent you like, go over the features and see if it meets all your needs. You should keep in mind that your tent is your home away form home, so you should be happy with and feel comfortable with it.